Call: 01392 678082

Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust

Latest news

Recent projects

  • Latest news

    27 Aug 2026

    LiDAR, UAV and GIS used for Slope Stability Assessment

    Geoff Davis has recently been working on another coastal caravan site with slope stability problems.On this site, Lewis Brown Chartered Land Surveyors used remote sensing (LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)) from a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to help understand the locations and magnitude of ground movements.Ruddlesden geotechnical then used GIS (Geographic Information System)  to highlight areas of concern, to quantify the degree of movement, which might have otherwise been missed.These technologies have been great in helping us understand the landslide processes at this site and, equally importantly, convey to others what is happening. However, they are of little use without a detailed understanding of the geological and geomorphological processes, which inform the all-important ground model, i.e. they should be seen as a useful tool to help us understand and communicate landslide processes, rather than a replacement for the understanding of them.

    LiDAR, UAV and GIS used for Slope Stability Assessment
    LiDAR, UAV and GIS used for Slope Stability Assessment

  • Recent projects

    UKAS Accredited Testing for Residential Development in Somerset

    Extensive geotechnical and contamination laboratory testing was recently undertaken as part of a ground investigation for proposed residential development site on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare. In addition to classification (plastic and liquid limits and particle size distribution) tests, quick undrained triaxial and oedometer consolidation tests were carried out to provide information for foundation design. pH and soluble sulphate testing (BRE SD1 suite) was also undertaken to confirm the buried concrete class requirements. A broad range of contamination testing, including asbestos, heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), was undertaken to provide information for human health and controlled waters risk assessments. The testing was UKAS accredited and Ruddlesden geotechnical’s close working relationships with both the laboratories helped ensure the testing results were issued promptly.

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  • Recent projects

    Correct Waste Classification Saves Costs

    Waste classification was undertaken on surplus soil at a residential development site in Exeter. The soil had been purchased and imported to be used as capping beneath road surfaces for the new development. However, the material was later found to be unsuitable for the proposed use. The soil had initially been classified by others as hazardous waste, due to the presence of loose asbestos fibres within the soil matrix. However, following intensive (and representative) sampling of the soil stockpiles, Ruddlesden geotechnical were able to confirm that the soil was non-hazardous waste. Classifying the waste properly, in accordance with Environment Agency guidance, saved the client significant costs, which would have been incurred if the soil were to have been taken to a hazardous waste landfill, as was originally proposed.

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